Central Lutheran Church - Elk River
Established in 1948, Central Lutheran Church has been a beacon of faith and community in Elk River, Minnesota, for more than seven decades. Led by our dedicated Lead Pastor, Ryan Braley, we are a congregation deeply rooted in family values and intergenerational connection.
Central Lutheran Church offers two services every Sunday at 8:30 AM and 10:00 AM, welcoming individuals and families of all ages to join us in worship and fellowship. Our services and activities are thoughtfully designed to engage, inspire, and strengthen the spiritual growth of each member of our church family, from the youngest to the eldest.
We pride ourselves on being a family-centered and family-focused church. Our intergenerational approach allows us to embrace and celebrate the rich tapestry of experiences and perspectives within our congregation, fostering a vibrant and supportive community.
Beyond the church walls, Central Lutheran Church is deeply committed to serving and uplifting the wider Elk River community. Our active involvement in local initiatives reflects our core belief in the power of faith in action, as we strive to put Christian love and compassion into practice.
At Central Lutheran Church, we don’t just attend church – we are the church. Join us as we continue to nurture faith, celebrate family, and serve our community, hand in hand.
Episodes
124 episodes since 2023
The Transformative Power of Love and Righteousness {Reflections}
How often do we focus on winning arguments rather than embodying genuine kindness and love? Join us as we explore the profound impact of "The Power of Love and Righteousness" through personal stories and poignant reflections. Drawing from my ex...
September 18, 2024
•
8:56
Anakephalaiossathai and Paul’s Letter to the Ephesians with Pastor Ryan Braley
Can a letter written nearly 2,000 years ago offer solutions to the divisions we face today? Discover how Paul's Epistle to the Ephesians provides timeless wisdom on unity and living as a community of believers. We'll transport you to ancient Ep...
September 16, 2024
•
26:25
Awakened from Shadows {Reflections}
Have you ever wondered if the reality you perceive is just a shadow on the wall? Join us in episode 51 as we unravel the profound analogy of Plato's Cave and its implications on our understanding of reality. This idea, which I first encountered...
September 11, 2024
•
8:32
Sovereignty of God in Uncertain Times with Pastor Lorraine Daley
What does it mean to trust in God's sovereignty during uncertain times? Pastor Lorraine Daly, co-pastor of Restoring Lives Community Church in Zimmerman, joins us to explore this profound question. Since 2020, Pastor Lorraine has been a cherish...
September 09, 2024
•
29:48
Always Restless, Never Satisfied {Reflections}
Ever found yourself wishing you were anywhere but here? Whether it’s ducking out of a party, an unending workday, or the claustrophobic confines of an airplane, we've all felt that restless urge to be somewhere else. On this landmark 50th episo...
September 04, 2024
•
6:46
Over-Promise, Under-Deliver with Pastor Ryan Braley
What happens when we misdirect our worship? Join us in this thought-provoking episode as we celebrate the heartwarming generosity of Central's community, who have handcrafted and donated 52 quilts to Lutheran World Relief. We extend a special s...
September 03, 2024
•
35:11
Can I Murder? {Reflections}
What would you do if faced with the ultimate decision to use violence in self-defense or to protect a loved one? This week on Reflections with Ryan Braley, we explore the unsettling moral terrain of violence and pacifism through a personal stor...
August 28, 2024
•
7:44
Now Hear Me Out with Pastor Ryan Braley
Have you ever considered how the faith of early Christians might challenge today's social norms? Join me, Pastor Ryan, as we close our You Pick series with a deep exploration of the book of Philemon. I share amusing and eye-opening stories from...
August 26, 2024
•
36:47
Violence in Old Testament Scripture {Reflections}
How can the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus illuminate seemingly contradictory biblical teachings? Join us as we tackle Beth's insightful question about harmonizing Old Testament laws with the transformative teachings of Jesus in the New...
August 21, 2024
•
8:48
The Joy of the Lord is Your Strength with Pastor Ryan Braley
What happens when faith, hope, and joy intertwine on a journey across continents and back to the heart? Join us as we kick off this episode with a heartfelt prayer and a reflection on Nehemiah's timeless words, "The joy of the Lord is your stre...
August 19, 2024
•
38:11
Finding Peace in the Darkness {Reflections}
What if the darkness you fear is the key to discovering a deeper connection with the divine? This week on Reflections, Ryan takes you through his transformative journey during a five-day retreat in the wild mountains of Colorado. Inspired by th...
August 14, 2024
•
7:58
Do We Have to Go to Church? with Sonja Knutson
Do you really need to go to church to grow spiritually?" This is one of the thought-provoking questions we tackle in this episode as we explore the role of church attendance in deepening one's faith and relationship with Jesus. We share persona...
August 12, 2024
•
28:01
Soul Work is Subtle {Reflections}
Ever felt like your soul's on mute despite your best efforts to tune in? Imagine being in the beautiful San Juan Mountains of Colorado, ready to bask in divine revelation, only to feel... nothing. Join me, Ryan Braley, as I recount my humbling ...
August 07, 2024
•
7:17
Do I Have Enough Faith? with Ben Carruthers
Ever wondered how much faith is enough? Join us as we unravel this profound question with Ben Carruthers, the insightful director of student and family ministry. Through personal anecdotes and biblical insights from Matthew 17, Ben tackles the ...
August 06, 2024
•
24:36
Embracing Life's Unpredictable Moments {Reflections}
What happens when your meticulously planned retreat turns into a series of unexpected challenges? Join me, Ryan, as I recount my recent five-day silence, solitude, and wilderness retreat in the picturesque mountains near Montrose, Colorado. Fac...
August 01, 2024
•
8:35
What Should I Do and Not Do on Sunday? with Pastor Ryan Braley
Is your work-life balance a myth rather than a reality? Discover how observing the Sabbath could transform your life, bringing you joy, rest, and a sense of freedom you never knew you needed. We kick off our episode by unraveling the essence of...
July 29, 2024
•
36:47
The Magic Phrase That Transforms Relationships {Reflections}
What if a simple phrase could completely change the way you handle conflicts? Today, I’m flying solo from my office to share a groundbreaking communication technique that has transformed my relationships and could do the same for you. This isn’...
July 24, 2024
•
7:35
What Happens To People After They Die? with Pastor Ryan Braley
Ever felt the transformative power of pure silence and solitude? Join Pastor Ryan as he recounts his recent retreat in the serene mountains of Colorado. He shares how this period of quiet reflection not only rejuvenated his spirit but also deep...
July 23, 2024
•
35:59
The Healing Power of Silence and Solitude {Reflections}
Have you ever wondered how silence and solitude can lead to profound psychological healing? This week on Reflections, we explore Carl Jung's illuminating insights on the numinous—the divine encounters that can transform our inner lives. You'll ...
July 17, 2024
•
8:53
Savor the Seasoning with Bethany Rogness
Have you ever wondered how life's trials can shape and strengthen us? Join me as I recount my transformative journey from graduating Bethel University to working at Feed My Starving Children, with profound experiences like getting married, havi...
July 15, 2024
•
27:28
Jesus is NOT My Homeboy {Reflections}
Ever wondered how a simple t-shirt design could make you feel seen and understood? In this episode of Reflections, we kick things off by celebrating Mike's aunt Kathy and her new husband, Ken, while reminiscing about the iconic "Jesus is my homebo...
July 10, 2024
•
9:03
Misunderstood with Ben Carruthers
What if misunderstandings in our relationships could be turned into opportunities for growth and deeper connection? Join us this 4th of July weekend as our youth director, Ben Carruthers, leads us through a thoughtful examination of resolving...
July 08, 2024
•
28:25
Assigning Meaning to Life {Reflections}
Ever had a phone call take an unexpected turn and leave you questioning everything? I know I have. Join me, Ryan, as I recount a surprising moment that unfolded right after a memorable trip to Washington DC with my daughter’s middle school clas...
July 03, 2024
•
6:37
How Did We Get Here: The End with Pastor Ryan Braley
Ever questioned how trials and tribulations could possibly lead to a greater purpose? Join us as we unravel the extraordinary journey of Joseph—a tale of betrayal, redemption, and divine purpose. Discover how Joseph's life, from being sold into...
July 01, 2024
•
29:29
You're Going to Die {Reflections}
Can biohacking conquer the inevitability of death, or are we merely trying to outsmart our own mortality? This episode challenges our perceptions by juxtaposing ancient wisdom with modern science. We kick things off with a profound Hindu aphorism ...
June 26, 2024
•
8:33